Ex-militant , ‘Gen. Africa’ nabs killers of three soldiers in Bayelsa

ABUJA – ‎The Bayelsa State Waterways Security Task Force‎ led by an ex-militant leader, Africanus Ukparasia also known as “Gen. Africa” has nabbed a gang suspected to have been responsible for the August 8 killing of three soldiers at Tombi waterside in Nembe area of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja and signed by Mr Ukparasia.

Although the taskforce was only recently inaugurated, ‎the ex-militant leader said he “has been working behind the scenes to halt pipeline vandalism in Bayelsa State for some months now” and has renewed his warning to criminals to desist from their acts of criminality or leave Bayelsa State, as according to him, there would be no more room for criminals in the state as his Task Force shall take the battle to them”.

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He said the suspects have been handed over to the appropriate security agencies.

“Gen. Africa who had promised to work with the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime, matched words with action when his Task Force apprehended and handed over the criminals who attacked and killed the soldiers without any provocation.

“The ex-militant leader who is known for his vocal stance against pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, kidnapping and other sundry crimes in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region, warned militants and miscreants to steer clear of the national, state and private assets located in the state because according to him, criminals would no longer go about committing crimes unchallenged.

“It would be recalled that since Gen. Africa started working behind the scenes in Bayelsa state, the issue of pipeline bombings have reduced to the barest minimum in the state. He warned pipeline vandals and other criminals not to test his Task Force’s resolve as they would go after anybody or group that make such attempt.

“He advised Bayelsans and community leaders to report any act of criminality in their areas for prompt action.

“Gen. Africa also advised the youths of Bayelsa state not to bring bad reputation to the state and the country by getting involved in crimes such as pipeline vandalism, kidnapping and sea piracy. He expressed optimism that the President Buhari administration will develop the Niger Delta and urged all to support his government”, the statement read.